Roland Garros – Lopez & Lopez Top Bryan & Bryan

The Paris skies were threatening, but Feliciano Lopez and his partner Marc Lopez, who is not a relative, combined their skills to storm past Bob and Mike Bryan, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, in the Roland Garros Men’s doubles final.

The twins were appearing in their seventh Roland Garros title contest. Having been champions in 2013 and ’03, they were finalists last year as well as in 2012, ’06 and ’05. After claiming their 112th career title the Rome – 1000, (which increased their unmatched record), they were attempting to add to the all-time Grand Slam tournament doubles title standard of 16 that they have set.

Unfortunately, for the Southern California born, now Florida based, tandem the left-handed Feliciano Lopez, who is taller, and the right-handed, Marc Lopez became the first Spanish duo to win Roland Garros since Sergio Casals and Emilio Sanchez in 1990.

Following the contest, Mike Bryan said, “They have contrasting styles – A big lefty server and a guy that stays back and has great groundstrokes. They posed a lot of challenges. We were trying to do a few things to counteract that and we didn’t execute.”

Talking about Marc Lopez, he added, “The little one played a great third set. He hit a lot of good lobs and he was returning pretty solidly. He was the tough point in the ad court to win. I think that’s why they broke a couple of times in the third set.”

Bob Bryan continued, “Feli (Feliciano) handled himself in that (the third set) very well today. We have played him maybe 25 times, and I’m not sure we have ever lost to him. He was very solid at the net. That was the best he’s volleyed against us.”

Losing in anything is never easy, but for the Bryans it is a final result that they have rarely experienced during their careers, particularly in Grand Slam trophy rounds. “We have high standards, and that makes it not fun because we can’t get enjoyment out of a final or a semi like maybe some other players,” Bob said.

Following the triumph, the finalists sincerely congratulated the Lopez and Lopez team. Mike put the situation into meaningful perspective noting, “It’s kind of cool to see how they reacted. It was obviously the biggest moment of their careers. Seeing the tears shows how special winning a Grand Slam is.”